2014-08-06CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
BOARD OR COMMISSION: Parking and Traffic Commission
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE: August 6, 2014
LOCATION: Conference Room B, Third Floor City Hall
MEMBERS PRESENT: Vice Chair Bill Bent, City Planner Aaron Clausen,
Bill Fiore, Richard Hutchinson, Sgt. Russ Rollins
MEMBERS ABSENT: Richard Benevento, Chair, John Somes
OTHERS PRESENT: Councilor Jim Latter, Councilor Don Martin, Rob
Dever, Sean Ciancarelli
RECORDER: Eileen Sacco
1. Bent calls the meeting to order at 8: 30 a.m.
2. Review and Approve Proposed Scope of Work for Traffic Study for the
Neighborhood Around Route 1A and Route 97
Clausen reviews the proposed scope of work for the traffic study for the neighborhood
around route 1A and route 97. Councilor Martin stated that he is not an expert but the
proposed scope of work seems appropriate to him.
Bent noted that they purpose is to try and solve some of the problems at the main
intersection of 1A and 97. He suggests that the street by the dry cleaners should be
included suggesting that there are ways for redesign of the egress of the neighborhood. He
noted that there is significant traffic on the side streets and he would like to see that
included.
Clausen estimated that the cost for the traffic study could be $15,000 - $20,000 noting that it
might be a little more with a limited license plate survey.
Councilor Latter stated that there is a timing issue with the light by the Flair Dry Cleaners.
Fiore noted that the he does not think there would be much of a difference because it is a 15
second light and it would not be a good gain.
Bent stated that it would be worth taking a look at it noting that every time the traffic is
stopped it extends the traffic on route 1A.
Councilor Martin noted that his concern is the traffic behind Henry's Market and not so
much the traffic in the intersection. He recalls that the intent of the request was to address
the cut through traffic in the neighborhood.
Councilor Latter states that he thinks that the two areas are related with regards to the
neighborhood traffic.
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Bent explains that the geometry and timing of the lights are significant to the study and
notes that we have to look at the cut through traffic and make improvements to the
intersection to reduce the cut through traffic.
Sgt. Rollins noted that to fix the geometry of the intersection would require capital and the
Parking and Traffic Commission does not have the authority to authorized them. He noted
that there are some things that could be done but further noted that do not enter signs that
prohibit traffic during certain hours do not work.
Bent agrees and suggests that the scope of work for this be split into two phases to try and
address the cut through traffic and try to address the five way intersection at another time.
Bent will look at the proposed scope of work and split it into two phases to try and address
the cut through traffic
3. Review /Recommendation to the Planning Board - Open Space Residential
Design (OSRD) Site Plan and Definitive Subdivision Application - 252 Essex
Street /DUC Residential LLC
Bill Bergeron of Hayes Engineering addresses the PTC and recalls that they were before
them a year ago to review traffic projections for a 16 lot open space subdivision. He
explains that they are projecting a 1 -1.5 increase in traffic on Essex Street. He reviews the
plans and notes that there are no new driveways proposed for Essex Street and explains
that they will use the existing driveway at the day care center. He explains that the expect
12 cars in the morning and 16 cars in the evening for entering and exiting traffic.
Paul DiBiase the developer for the project explains that the original subdivision was a
conventional subdivision with a yield plan on 19 lots. He explained that they worked with a
neighborhood group and he has agreed to 16 lots and the neighbors are in support of that.
He also notes that the project has been reviewed by the Beverly Conservation Commission
and the Planning Board.
Bergeron explains that they will be using Ice House Lane for emergency access and it meets
all criteria.
Fiore asks if there will be sidewalks on both sides of the street. Bergeron replies that
sidewalks will be on one side of the street with a 40 foot right of way and vertical granite
curbing.
Sgt. Rollins asks if they will be installing a breakaway gate, noting that they are a concern to
him noting that people do not understand them. DiBiase states that this will be connecting
two streets and there should be no outside traffic. He explains that the emergency access
road will be 18 feet. He also noted that the homeowners restrictive covenant will include
the prohibition of the emergency access road.
Bent asks if the day care traffic has been considered in the traffic calculations. Bergeron
estimated that the day care center accounted for 12 of 28 cars in the sample that they did
but noted that it was conducted in the summer time.
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Sgt. Rollins noted that the four way stop and Brimbal Avenue and Colon Streets needs to be
signaled but noted that he does not expect this developer to take care of that.
Sgt. Rollins also stated that he would prefer sidewalks on both sides of the street but he
understands that there would be a lot of foot traffic.
There being no further questions or comments regarding this matter:
Hutchinson: moves to approve the recommendation for the traffic plan as presented for
Open Space Residential Design (OSRD) Site Plan and Definitive Subdivision Application -
252 Essex Street /DUC Residential LLC. Fiore seconds the motion. The motion carries (5 -0).
4. Discussion of Citizens Letter Regarding Traffic Safety at the Intersection of
Hale and Endicott Streets
Fiore recalls that the city has talked about reworking the intersection in the past noting that
it is near the Central Fire Station. He explains the traffic and safety issues that he sees in the
area.
Bent suggests that the Parking and Traffic Commission visit the site and take a look at the
traffic patterns there. He also suggested that Mike Collins be invited to attend. He also
notes that he will advised Benevento of the suggested site visit and work on scheduling a
date for the site visit.
S. Discussion on Citizens Request for a Stop Sign at the Intersection of
Middlebury Lane and Landers Drive - Sgt. Rollins
Sgt. Rollins reports that it makes sense to him that a stop sign be installed at the
intersection of Middlebury Lane and Landers Drive noting that it is a safety issue.
Bent asks the members if they want to take a look at this and visit the site. Members
indicated that they did not think that a site visit was necessary.
Hutchinson: motion to recommend to the City Council the installation of a
stop sign and stop line at Middlebury Land and Landers Drive.
Sgt. Rollins seconded the motion. The motion carries (5 -0).
6. Discussion with Councilor Latter Regarding West Dane Street to Cabot
Street One Way
Councilor Latter addresses the Parking and Traffic Commission and explains that
there is an issue of visibility of the sign and explains that the neighbors have
requested a three way stop sign. He notes that there was a bad accident there three
weeks ago.
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Sgt. Rollins states that he does not know if the intersection meets the warrant for an
all way traffic stop. He also noted that Chase Street will be used during the Rantoul
Street reconstruction project.
Bent suggests a site visit to review the area. He also suggests that the crash data for
the last five years be reviewed.
Sgt. Rollins explains that the stop sign was blocked by a tree and that has since been
corrected. He agrees that there have been a couple of bad accidents at that
intersection.
Councilor Latter states that common sense would dictate that an all way stop is
needed.
Bent suggests that the Commission schedule a site visit at a time to be determined
when members are available. Clausen will reach out to the members to schedule it.
7. Discussion with City Engineer Greg St. Louis and Assistant City Engineer
Sean Ciancarelli
St. Louis reports that an MBTA crossing meeting was held regarding Gloucester
Crossing. He explains that they will be doing the work during off peak hours and
on weekends.
St. Louis reported that the 100% design is complete and should be submitted today
and they hope to stay on schedule.
Bent asks if there is any more information regarding a traffic signal for Bridge
Street. Clausen explains that the agreement was basically that if there was any
contingency money left in the project they would fund a signal. He reported that
the project went over budget and there is no money for a signal. He also reported
that the city has requested the traffic study and the design that was done for the
signal.
Sgt. Rollins notes that the city needs to take a look at parking around the depot area
now that the parking garage is online.
Clausen explains that the city is looking at parking redesign in that area, noting that
Casa De Luca is closed and they are looking at the Depot Square area on street
parking and transition parking spaces.
Clausen reports that they are having discussions with the MBTA regarding the use of
the garage during snow emergencies. He explains that they have suggested at $5.00
fee for parking during snow emergencies.
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Clausen also reported that they have been looking at the long and short term
parking areas to make them more uniform and are looking at incremental pricing
for parking like they have in Salem. He explained that part of the survey will be to
understand what going on and what the capacity is.
8. Old /New Business
Hutchinson reports that the Right Turn Only sign on coming off the 128 ramp that
was part of the Walgreens project has not been installed. Clausen will look into it
and if it is part of the Planning Board approval they will send a letter.
S. Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the PTC meeting held on June 3, 2014 were presented for approval.
Rollins: motion to approve the minutes of the June 3, 3014 Parking and Traffic
Commission meetings as amended. Hutchinson seconded the motion. The motion
carried (5 -0).
6. Next Meeting
The next regular meeting of the Parking and Traffic Commission will be held on
Tuesday, September 9, 2014 at 8:30 a.m.
7. Adjournment
Bent asks if there is any additional business for the Commission to conduct. There is
none.
Rollins: motion to adjourn, seconded by Hutchinson. All members in favor,
motion carries 7 -0.
The meeting is adjourned at 10:00 a.m.
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